An “exceptionally talented” women’s football player is believed to have taken her own life on the day she was due to return to pre-season training after taking a break for university.

Katie Sheppard, 20, a midfielder in the West Ham ladies’ team had “the world at her feet” before she died at her home on July 2.

Friends and team mates today told how they are deeply shocked over the sudden death of the “bubbly” girl whose dream it was to play for The Hammers.

A former team mate said: “None of us had any idea anything was wrong. It’s so very sad. She was a lovely girl.”

Coach Julia Setford, 34, who signed Katie from her previous team, the Charlton Athletic School of Excellence, told the Standard: “We don’t know what has happened.

“Katie was a massive character and we didn’t know there was anything wrong.

“She spoke to the girls on a regular basis. That’s why what happened is such a shock. We’re all struggling to come to terms with it at the moment.”

Ms Setford praised “exceptional” Ms Sheppard’s ability and said that there was no doubt her talent and work ethic would have earned her a regular spot in the first team.

She added: “The girls in the development squad looked up to her. She was the life and soul of this club. Everyone is devastated.”

Ms Sheppard, from Sidcup, was due to resume training with West Ham ladies after taking a break from football to concentrate on her degree in Sports Therapy at the University of Kent, which she started last year.

She was said to have been thrilled after fulfilling her dream of playing for the club where her family holds a season ticket after making four first team appearances in the 2012/13 season.